Bill > S1153

This bill aims to safely reduce the use of cash bail. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Establishing criteria for judicial officers to determine whether a defendant should be released on personal recognizance, released with conditions, or detained pending trial. The bill emphasizes using the least restrictive conditions necessary to reasonably assure the defendant's appearance and community safety. 2. Allowing the Commonwealth to move for a detention hearing in cases involving "dangerous crimes" or where there is a risk the defendant may threaten or intimidate a law enforcement officer, court officer, or witness. The judge can order the defendant detained if no conditions will reasonably assure safety. 3. Allowing for the revocation of a defendant's release if there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed a new felony or "dangerous crime" while on release, or if the defendant violated other release conditions. 4. Requiring notification to alleged victims before a defendant's release in cases involving "crimes of abuse" or "dangerous crimes." 5. Providing defendants the right to petition the Superior Court for review of release decisions made in the District, Boston Municipal, or Juvenile courts. The bill aims to reform the cash bail system to focus on public safety and the defendant's likelihood of appearance, rather than solely financial conditions.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1153